First Love Forever -- More Reviews from Andrea Stephens

First Love Forever Romance Collection By Susanne Dietze, Cynthia Hickey, Marcia Gruver, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Martha Rogers, Lorna Seilstad, Connie Stevens, Jennifer Uhlarik, and Erica Vetsch

I was very touched by each of the novellas in this 5 Star book. Each story tells of a couple separated by time for varying reasons, being reunited in unique circumstances.

-Weeping Willow by Marcia Gruver

Willow, Julian, and Hiram. Childhood friends and semi-rivals Julian and Hiram both love Willow. Willow's heart belongs only to Julian. The men go off to fight in the Civil War. Hiram returns wounded. Julian is not heard from for two years. Willow is pressured by her mother to marry Hiram. Can Willow put her grief and love for Julian aside?

I admired Willow's faith and seriously disliked her mother n this story of true love and faith.

I loved the authors' way of saying things. Example: “freckles so dense they looked blasted on with a scattergun”

-After The Ball by Martha Rogers

Chase and Susannah have loved each other since childhood summers spent together on his grandfather's ranch. Chase is unhappy working for his father, he longs to be on the ranch with his grandfather and Susannah. Chases mother wants him to marry a Dallas society woman. He takes Susannah to the ball honoring his father some women say she is not good enough for Dallas, but the truth was Chase wanted her and that's all that mattered. Being true to yourself and what you want for your life is the heart of this sweet story.

-Lighter Than Air by Lorna Seilstad

Ella and Titus. For school principal Ella Mason there is nothing like having her first love literally drop out of the sky onto the school property. A difference of minds separated them six years prior to the crash landing. Titus is injured and must stay at the school to recuperate much to Ella's dismay. Eventually, Titus is allowed to give some science lessons to the girls during his recuperation. One snooty mother does not think it is appropriate to have a man at a girls boarding school. She threatens Ella. Ella sees changes in Titus and his beliefs. This is an action-packed, second chance at first love story. After a fire and tornado, the balloon gets repaired, does the relationship?

-In Due Season by Connie Stevens

Leah and Gareth. There is so much hurt to overcome. Gareth left Leah the day before their wedding. Fifteen years later, he returns to sell his late father's property. Holding on to hurts from the past, Leah struggles to forgive Gareth after he tells her the truth of why he left, not what his father told her and the town. She still loves him, he's never stopped loving her. My heart hurts for these two as they go back and forth searching for the path to forgiveness. Gareth leaves town again to care for his recently found mother, she is dying in a hospital. Can Leah and Gareth overcome all that has passed between them?

-A Most Reluctant Bride by Cynthia Hickey

Maggie and Zach. Maggie fell in love with Zach when she was a teen, too young for him. After her father dies, her mother wants to marry her off to the highest bidder and move back east. Maggie only wants to save her father's ranch. Trapped in a storm overnight, they return only to find Maggie's mother insisting they marry to save her reputation. They enter into a marriage of convenience. Zach sees Maggie as a feisty woman now and has feelings for her. Maggie loves him even more after seeing him take control of the ranch. The playful, teasing banter between the two is sweet. After Maggie is put in a dangerous situation, their feelings get real. For me, the message is trust and truth.

-Heartfelt Echos by Jennifer Uhlarik

Travis and Millie fell in love at the school for the deaf. They are separated by time and circumstance. Victoria, Millie's mother is very ill and sends for Travis to get and break a horse for Millie's birthday, (I think she wants him to be the real present). This is a very suspenseful story! Millie's step-father is not so nice. There is beating, kidnapping, a fire and more. There are also many surprises. Restoration, reuniting, and true love.

-Prescription for Love by Erica Vetsch

Natalie and Phin. Oh my, this is such a tragic story! Nurse Natalie Morrison, the almost fiancee of Dr. Phinias Mackenzie, has just recovered from Yellow Fever and is assigned to be his nurse in New Orleans. Natalie feels she is supposed to return to missionary work in Panama because it was her father's deathbed wish. Phin is drawn to New Orleans with his new mobile doctor office to reach those people that would never go to the doctor.

There is a deadly Yellow fever outbreak in the city. Natalie and Phin work very closely together, while the love they had for each other in the past simmers beneath the surface. Phin's brother Michael, sees it as he is being treated for the fever. He tells each of them they need to talk things out. Can Phin forgive Natalie for leaving him without explanation? Will Natalie realize her own calling for her life? Is there a chance for a happy ending?

This is such a wonderful, love filled collection. I highly recommend it to everyone.

We also have a Rafflecopter giveaway going on through April. 

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Be sure to enter to be one of the winners of the MANY great gifts we have!!!

Purchase links:

Christian Book Distributors  

Barnes & Noble   

Amazon 

Check at your local Christian bookstores, e.g., Lifeway, to see if they have copies, too! 

Giveaway: An autographed copy of First Love Forever. Leave a comment to enter. 

Love is Patient Collection from Barbour -- Giveaway

Looking for some summer reading? We're giving away a copy of the Love is Patient Romance Collection from Barbour books (February, 2016).  With two stories from Erica Vetsch (Lady-in-Waiting, Shining Armor, 2012), and novellas from Vickie McDonough (The Spinster and the Tycoon, 2007), Jill Stengl (The Spinster's Beau, 2006), Darlene Franklin (A Birthday Wish, 2013), Lena Nelson Dooley (The Spinster and the Cowboy, 2007), Janet Lee Barton (Harvest of Love, 2000), Frances Devine (The Spinster and the Doctor, 2007), and Connie Stevens (Hope's Dwelling Place, 2013).

Blurb: Enjoy the slow dance through the courtship of nine historical couples in the American west, including the territories of Arizona and Wyoming. Just at a time in life when they have nearly given up on finding love, romance enters their lives. But will it be true love, and will it be worth the wait? Find out in this delightful collection written by eight bestselling authors of inspirational romances. 

GIVEAWAY: A paperback of Love Is Patient Romance Collection. Answer this question -- what are you most wanting from reading a novella besides a quicker read?

Most Eligible Bachelor Collection Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Most Eligible Bachelor Romance Collection

A WINNER!!!

WONDERFUL collection of nine Christian historic romance novellas! The earliest story is set in colonial times and the latests in the early 1900s.

I predict this will become a CBA Bestseller! This is one of the best collections from Barbour I have ever read. This will be on my Best of 2015 list on this blog!

*****

Love's Reward by Susanne Dietze

I absolutely loved this novella by debut author, Susie Dietze, who is also our featured author this week on OWG blog!!! 

When a rather mean-spirited "friend's" ad drives unmarried ladies to pursue talented architect, Daniel Blair, the San Franciscan's life takes a turn. I felt so badly for the young women who believed the advertisement was genuine. Life at the rooming house begins to sour as his landlady tires of the deliveries made by young women to her home. Meanwhile his longtime friend, a sweet and spunky young lady, finally seems to be realizing what a wonderful man Daniel is. Josie is definitely her own woman and a bit avant grade for the times. Her brother is a piece of work.

The scheming behind the scenes was especially well done. Even thought this was a novella, Susanne did a great job of working in the elements of a large architectural contest and also used that to show the competitive nature of various characters. Many characters, and their situations, aren't at all what you think they are. This is the kind of complex and layered novella that I love to read.

Lovely job of showing the whys and the why nots of Josie's and Daniel's relationship. I see Josie as rather adorable and ADHD and when... (never mind--I won't spoil that one scary scene for you!!!)

This was a darling story and Daniel was a sigh-worthy hero! Fantastic debut!

*****

The Highwayman by Shannon McNear

This lovely colonial story features a young wagon master who simply cannot get his tongue to work properly when he is around Long Tall Sally, the daughter of the main innkeeper on the Great Wagon Road in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.  However, she's frustrated by his lack of communication, especially since she has known him for years. Her brothers constantly thrill over the adventures of "The Highwayman" a savior who swoops in and rescues people.  When Sally is rescued from a local miscreant, by the famed masked man, her heart thrills. But she doesn't know the wagon master is the one risking all for her. Shannon was a Rita nominee for her first colonial era novella and this new release is a great read!

Four Brides And A Bachelor by  Gabrielle Meyer

I love this story set in the 1800s in Minnesota. Being from upper Michigan myself, this particularly interested me.  In this novella, the your women teaching in a mission are told they MUST be married to continue in their jobs. One of the teachers was originally supposed to marry a minister from another mission. This eligible bachelor has been summoned forth but doesn't realize that NOW he has four young women to select from, which was decided by the directors of the mission as being most fair.  Very nicely done, especially with the little twist with the father at the end! 

Baker's Dozen by Gina Welborn

I had high expectations of this story, which were fulfilled. As per usual, Gina writes a compelling story which great characterization.  Set in the household of Duke, a wealthy widower whose daughter needs a mother, he has decided to bring in a bevy of young women to find a wife to be mother to his child.  Having grown up in the household,  Irie secretly was in love with Duke before she left for training school. Her mother is employed by his father. Duke's father asks her to help his son find the best woman to be his wife and mother to the granddaughter. This is one of the first stories I have read with a divorced heroine in it, so that was an interesting twist and far overdue. 

A Doctor's Agreement by Cynthia Hickey

I had the privilege of reading this excellent story as a Beta reader but then forgot I'd read it! Cynthia Hickey consistently writes great books and this is no exception. When the newspaper owner's daughter places an ad for a lottery to obtain a spouse for the single physician, she doesn't realize she'll be entered! 

The Final Baker Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Determined that she can prove herself capable of being self-sufficient, heiress Octavia doesn't realize there are many forces at work. She finds a "taxi cab driver" in New Orleans, Merritt Baker who may be the antidote to her marriage avoidance. Charming tale.

The Most Ineligible Bachelor In Town by  Connie Stevens

Turn of the century Kansas is the setting for an unappreciated postmaster's fine traits to finally be noticed. But first it will take a visit from his flashy cousin, supposedly a Pinkerton agent, to have the pastor's daughter finally be able to see who the best man in town is. But when danger comes to town, will they survive to finally express their affection to one another?

"A Bride For A Bargain" by Amanda Barratt

Fired from her lousy job,  Ada McClane calls out to God to help her figure out how to pay for her younger brother's treatment for his lung ailment (t.b.).  Meanwhile the richest bachelor in the city, Geoffrey Buchanan wonders how he can get his mother off his back. The society matron has set up yet another weekend at their posh country home in which she'll parade more single women from the proper "set" in front of him. Geoffrey contracts with Ada to act as his fiance for this event and offers her too much to refuse. But when the farce ends, will Geoffrey be able to leave Ada behind?

Archeologist's Find- by Erica Vetsch

This is the most unique of the stories which made it just a little jarring although it was good.  A wealthy young lady, Ally, is given an ultimatum by her mother to either find herself a husband within three weeks or agree to be courted by someone her parents approve of. Egyptologist and archeologist Max falls for the young art student who has so beautifully captured the essence of his collection. But when he discovers her true identity can their relationship survive?

Giveaway: We're giving away another copy of Most Eligible Bachelor Collection choice of paperback or ebook.

Noela reviews The Most Eligible Bachelor Romance Collection

The Most Eligible Bachelor

The Most Eligible Bachelor Romance Collection

by Nine Various Authors

Barbour Publishing

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

 A Bride for a Bargain

by Amanda Barratt

The intriguing premise for this story sparked my interest, but the story itself easily held me captive! When excessively wealthy Geoffrey Buchanan finally finds the woman he is to marry, he is determined for it to be a union of love and not a society woman who is only after his money. So when his mother arranges yet another house party with the intent to marry him off to a suitable woman, Geoffrey decides to ask Miss Ada McClane whom he has only just met in Central Park to come along as his fiancée. Finding herself unemployed and with a sick brother to care for, Ada takes up Geoffrey’s offer with the more than generous remuneration. Will this poor working girl measure up to high society’s magnifying glass to pull this masquerade off? And can Geoffrey find the happiness he seeks that his wealth doesn't provide?

The Highwayman by Shannon McNear

Unique, compelling, and exhilarating! Along the Great Wagon Road of lower Shenandoah Valley, Pennsylvania, Samuel Wheeler earned a living as wagon master. The country was on the verge of the American Revolution, and there was much tyranny afoot from both the redcoats and those in their pockets. Sam had taken to donning a mask and masquerading himself as the Highwayman, cracking his whip with perfect precision and helping the cause of freedom. Little did the normally shy and tongue-tied Sam expect to one day be saving the girl of his dreams from some brigands. But in his costume, he found new confidence with Sally. What will happen when she falls in love with his fake persona and where will that leave Sam? What will happen if the authorities or the brigands catch up with this vigilante?

The Final Baker Bride by Kathleen Y’Barbo

Although it was the last novella in this collection, it was by no means the least entertaining! The amusing and vibrant conversations and situations this enticing plot created throughout the story, was just as gratifying as the ending with its surprising twist. The wealthy Octavia Derby doesn’t want to marry and aims to prove to her father that she can take care of herself without his money. Determined to prove it, she accepts an opportunity to work as a typist for a month, although there is the little problem that her typing skills are non-existent. Octavia unknowingly meets her employer Merritt Baker upon arriving in New Orleans, Louisiana, and mistaking him for a taxi-cab driver; she situates herself in his buggy and proceeds to give him orders! The likewise wealthy Merritt Baker of Baker Shipping, is pressured from all sides to marry and is constantly fending off women who are after him only for his money. Can they both serve each other’s needs yet still meet their own?

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These, along with six other engaging novellas in this collection, tell the stories of some extremely eligible bachelors of yesteryear times. These stories by talented authors Erica Vetsch, Cynthia Hickey, Gabrielle Meyer, Connie Stevens, Susanne Dietze, and Gina Wellborn, are ALL thoroughly charming and entertaining! And all captivate the reader’s heart, as the women look for the true worth in these bachelors, and the men seek to marry for all the right reasons. 

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You can purchase 'The Most Eligible Bachelor Collection' at these places and others: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; BAM 

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away several copies of 'The Most Eligible Bachelor - Romance Collection' this week!!! Leave a comment to enter, and your email if we don't know you. E-book outside of US unless available to you through Book Depository.